Landscape Establishment: Beyond Installation
As landscape architects, we are by profession, innovators and problem solvers. We continually engage in critical thinking and self-reflection, seeking opportunities to evaluate standards of practice for possibilities that will lead to better outcomes. We work within complex urban environments with planting typologies that are continuously evolving to meet resiliency standards. Plant maintenance practices after installation must co-evolve with these standards, and extending the role of the landscape architect offers exciting potential for better ecological and financial outcomes.
Typically, the landscape architect’s work ends when a project is fully installed. At the point of completion, plant care is in the hands of the contractor, the owner, or a combination of the two. However, this is the time when newly planted landscapes are most vulnerable, and cloudburst storms, drought, or other unpredictable challenges leave new plantings in peril. As these challenges grow more common, we see a solution for landscape architects to manage, monitor and maintain our designs until plantings are fully established.
There are many reasons for landscape architects to engage in post-installation management, monitoring, and maintenance. As our profession ventures towards designing more complex ecological planting typologies, our understanding of them will best improve through direct monitoring. With our eyes on the project, we gain valuable insights and knowledge about plant establishment needs and maintenance requirements through the seasons. And let’s face it - we want to see our designs thrive!
By extending our expertise to the post-installation phase, we will not only protect our client’s investments; we will protect the valuable ecosystem services for the full life of our design. Each day of a plant’s life is critical for providing habitat, soil nourishment, and carbon drawdown benefits that can stave off further climate issues. We know others are thinking about this important topic. As we take these steps, please join us in this conversation by sharing your thoughts!